Do you love helping others understand and engage in science? TESI Environmental Communicators gain important skills in science communication and outreach, all while helping communicate Earth systems science issues in Florida, and beyond!
About TESI
The University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute is advancing communication and education about Earth systems science in a way that inspires Floridians to be effective stewards of our planet. TESI accomplishes its mission through public programming, digital communication, K-12 outreach, and science communication professional development. Housed at the Florida Museum of Natural History, our vision is to lead the way to a healthier planet by cultivating a responsible and curious society that values, trusts and has access to science.
See below for further information on TESI and its activities:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UFEarthSystems/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowyourflorida/
- Earth to Florida Newsletter: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/earth-to-florida/
- TESI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9AMEOr1Qksuszd2dLoPCDg
Position Summary
TESI Environmental Communicators are valued team members who make important contributions to our mission. Communicators develop social media content, write newsletter articles, create videos and more, all focused on communicating Earth systems issues to Floridians, and beyond. During their time with us, students hone their science communication skills and broaden their knowledge about key environmental issues in Florida and across the globe.
Specifically, the Gulf Scholars Communicator will serve as a critical arm of the TESI Digital Outreach team, researching and creating Florida Gulf focused content for TESI’s Instagram campaign, Know Your Florida and producing Florida Gulf focused content for the TESI website and monthly environmental newsletter, Earth to Florida. The Communicator may also assist with planning and developing targeted digital awareness campaigns, such as our recent Insect Effect campaign.
The Communicator will leave with a science communication portfolio of educational blog posts, a feature story, social media posts, graphics and more. This is a truly hands-on experience!
Basic duties
- Researching and developing Florida Gulf content for TESI’s social media platforms
- Assisting with event planning and implementation
- Developing Florida Gulf content for the TESI website
- Developing Florida Gulf content for Earth to Florida, TESI’s environmental newsletter
- Assisting with other digital communications and public programming as needed
Visit the following link to see products from current and previous Communicators: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/tesi-students/
Position location
The position will be located in the TESI office suite at:
McGuire Hall
3215 Hull Rd
Gainesville, FL 32611
Eligibility
This position is open to all University of Florida junior or senior undergraduate students and graduate students who have an interest and willingness to learn more about science communication.
Candidates must also have an interest in writing and multimedia production. A good handle on grammar and punctuation is a must. Throughout their time working for TESI, the Communicator will receive mentoring on writing, editing, graphic design and social media management.
Candidates must have availability Wednesday mornings for team meetings.
Hours per week
The Communicator will work 10 hours per week between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work to support TESI outreach activities may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Strong writing skills, with attention to appropriate spelling, grammar, and mechanics
- Experience using social media
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Background or strong interest in science, or science communication
Preferred Qualifications
- Graphic design skills (or willingness to learn)
- Video editing skills (or willingness to learn)
- Experience using WordPress
- Current Gulf Scholar
Start Date
Fall 2025
Pay Rate
$1,200 stipend, dispersed at the completion of the program
Position Duration
Fall 2025, with the opportunity to extend given satisfactory performance
Contact Information
Carla Ruffer, TESI Communications Manager, [email protected]
To Apply
Submit an application through the following link: Apply here. A complete application must include:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- 2 work samples, one short-form and one long-form (see description below)
- Short-form (social media post, infographic, other multimedia content, etc.) and long-form (blog, paper from class, feature story, etc.)
- Phone and email contact information for 2 professional references
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The final deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Sunday, June, 15 2025.